Red Fort

A historian's paradise, Delhi is home to a phase of history that speaks out from every nook and corner of the ancient city. The memories of the glorious age of the Mughal rulers is still alive in the city, with most of their architectural glories still standing as mute witnesses of the era gone by.

One of these is the Red Fort or the Laal Quila. Characterizing both, the magnificent past of India as well as the future of her sovereignty, the Red Fort is one of the most symbolic features of the Indian capital. Built by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan around 1638 and 1648, the Red Fort today is a busy market-place called the Meena Bazaar, selling a host of wares.

History states, that the Red Fort was built when Shahjahanabad replaced Agra as the capital of the Mughal rule. Located in the eastern end of Shahjahanabad, the Red Fort is symbolic of not just the pomp and splendor of the Mughals but also their architectural prowess. The Lahori Gate which is the main gate of the fort is in itself a structure that attracts thousands of visitors. The Red Fort is also the site of India's national functions on the 15th of August, India's Independence Day.

The fort is also famous from a historic perspective as it gives us an idea of the system of governance. There were separately assigned halls and spaces for the public and the nobility. This is evident from the presence of the two halls, the Diwan-i-aam and the Diwan-i-khaas which were the assemblies meant for the commoners and the aristocracy respectively. Jeweled and marbled at their time of origin, the Red Fort has, however, fallen, in later times prey to the vandalism that has been carried out by the invaders of the country. The famous Peacock Throne, that served as a source of pride in the days of the Mughal supremacy was removed to Iran by Nadir Shah in 1739 after a successful loot in the Indian capital. Known for her prestige and beauty, the Diwan-i-Khas has been the subject of Urdu poetry as well. The poet Amir Khusro once remarked, "If there is Paradise on the face of earth, it is here, it is here, it is here".

The Rang Mahal or the palace of colors is another of the remarkable attractions of the Red Fort, noted for its beautifully Lotus-shaped fountain.

Though the Red Fort is but a faint image of its former glory today, it still manages to hold its visitors spell-bound with images of its regal charm. Light and sound shows are arranged at the fort that is sure to transport you to the medieval era of the Mughals. Tickets for the show which are organized in Hindi as well as in English can be bought from the Fort.

History:

One of the strongest remainders of the glorious Mughal influence on India, the Red Fort in Delhi is today not just one of the important tourist attractions of India but also a significant symbol of her democracy. The Fort, which was built by the architectural monarch Shah Jahan in 1648, was started in 1639, after which Shah Jahan changed the Mughal capital from Agra to Delhi. The history of the Red Fort, is in itself an attraction of Delhi, giving birth to an excellent light and sound show that is housed inside the fort each evening. The inauguration of the Fort was in itself an occasion to remember with the main halls of the Fort being draped in rich fabrics brought in from fellow trading countries like China and Turkey. Designed by the renowned Mughal architects, Ustad Hamid and Ahmad, the Fort, brings to alive even today, the life of the people of the era.

Even today a visit to the Red Fort can conjure up images of the lives within the red sandstone walls during the golden age of the Mughals. The main point of entry, the Lahore Gate would take the visitor to the Chatta Chowk where the royalty shopped for exquisite jewelry, luxurious fabrics and other delicate artistry, where the sounds of the royal band echoes even to this day. The Meena Bazaar, one of the oldest bazaars in existence in the world today, provides the visitors to the fort with a glimpse of the life of the commoners of the period. The elegance and regality of the Red Fort also made it one of the most coveted aspects of a conquest of India in the eyes of foreigners like Nadir Shah, who conquered the fort in 1739, depriving the Fort of a number of its treasures, including the pride of the Mughal Empire, the Peacock Throne.

Structures in Red Fort

Resplendent in her grandeur that remains one of her most important characteristics even today, the Red Fort is one of the most important symbols of not just India’s history but also one of her greatest prides, her democracy. The Fort, built in red sandstone and one of the most prominent architectural masterpieces of the Mughal era, is also the venue to the annual flag hoisting ceremony when the Prime Minister of India unfurls the Indian tricolor on India’s Independence Day on 15th August each year. Home to some of the most magnificent architectural examples of mediaeval India, the structures in the Red Fort are a must-see while on a trip to Delhi.

Structures

The Red Fort is a medieval complex comprising of a number of palaces, offices, workshops, halls, mosques as well as market places. Built around an area of 120 acres, this UNESCO certified world heritage site consists of Mughal and non Mughal architectural structures. These include:

The Diwan-i-Khas or the Hall of Private Audience

Perhaps the pride of the Red Fort, the Diwan-i-Khas is today just a pale reminder of its glorious past. Decorated with precious and semi-precious stones, this was the court of the Mughal Emperor where he sat in conference with the ministers of his council. Once home to he heavily ornamented Peacock Throne, the Diwan-i-Khas is also characterized by an inscription in Persian which reads “If there is a paradise on the face of the earth, it is this, it is this, it is this”, composed by the famous Persian poet, Amir Khusroe.

The Diwan-i-Amn or the Hall of Public Audience

The court in which the emperor addressed the pleas of his citizens, this is a rectangular hall with three aisles and nine multiple arches, which housed the royal throne beneath a marble canopy decorated with precious stones and floral motifs.

The Rang Mahal (Palace of Colors) or the Imtiaz Mahal

Consisting of six apartments divided by arched pillars constructed in a typically Mughal style of architecture, this beautiful palace is built over a basement that in turn is built around a main hall with rooms at each end.

The Khas Mahal (Private Palace)

The emperor’s personal palace, this exotic structure consisted of the following chambers:

The Taasbikhana (Chamber of Telling Beads)

The Khwabgah (Sleeping Chamber)

Baithak (Sitting Room)

Muthamman Burj or Jharokah-i-Darshan (Showing Balcony)

The other notable structures of the Red Fort are:

The Moti Masjid or the Pearl Mosque

The Hayat-Baksh Bagh or the Life-giving Garden

Zafar Mahal

The Hamam or the Bath

Fast - Facts:

Location

Located on Netaji Subhash Marg, Old Delhi, the red fort is located close to a number of other tourist attractions of Delhi.

Built by

Built by the emperor of architecture, Shahjahan the fort was completed in 1648.

Nature & Architectural style

A Fort city, the Red Fort showcases a mixture of Mughal and non-Mughal styles of architecture.

Timings

Closed on Monday, the fort is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day.

Admission charges

The admission charges are I.N.R. 11 for Indian Citizens and I.N.R. 100 for foreign citizens with parking rates that begin from I.N.R. 10 for 4 hours.

How To Reach:

Located in the heart of the city of Old Delhi, reaching the Red Fort can be easily accomplished as it is well-connected by:

Nearest airport -Indira Gandhi International Airport

Nearest railway station - Old Delhi Railway Station

Nearest metro station - Kashmir Gate

Nearby Attractions:

One of the greatest attractions of Delhi as well as a symbol of India’s sovereignty and democracy, the Red Fort is the pride of Old Delhi, a part which is also home to a number of other tourist pleasures most of which are considered to be nearby attractions to the Red Fort. These include:

Jama Masjid

Built by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in 1656, the Jama Masjid is generally considered to be the largest as well as the most respected mosques in India. Exhibiting an architectural brilliance that is characteristic of most of the constructional endeavors of Shah Jahan, the Jama Masjid is built with alternating strips of red sandstone and marble. Besides, its architecture the mosque is famous for the various relics of Mohammad which it houses and which includes the Quran written on deerskin, a red beard-hair of the prophet, his sandals and his footprint, embedded in a marble slab, all of which are still preserved.

Chandni Chowk

Built by Princess Jahanara, Shah Jahan’s favorite daughter, this picturesque, medieval market is famous for its general hustle bustle as well as the wide array of glittering jewelry and mouthwatering roadside food that is characteristic of the region which is also regarded as the largest trading center of northern India.

Salimgarh Fort

Constructed over an island of the River Yamuna by Islam Shah Suri, also known as Salim Shah, son and successor of Sher Shah Suri in 1546, this fort became famous later in the pages of Indian history when the leaders of Indian National Army were imprisoned here in 1945, in memory of which the fort has now been renamed as Swatantrata Senani Smarak or, the Freedom Fighters' Memorial.

St James Church

Built by James Skinner in the 19th century, this church is a must-visit while on a trip to Delhi for its exquisite architecture.

Rajghat

Built in memorial of Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of the Nation, Rajghat sees a prayer session being held every Friday to commemorate the day when he was assassinated. Besides these the region around the Red Fort is home to a number of roadside eateries and bazaars all of which showcase authentic Indian food, handicrafts and artistry.